Only every third Pole knows how to act in a situation of danger

– Documents, medicines, money, provisions, and a phone – this is what Poles would take with them during a quick evacuation. Meanwhile, most respondents openly admit that they are not prepared for such a situation and do not know where the nearest shelter is located near their place of residence. A significant group of respondents would also not be able to recognize the types of alarm sirens. As it turns out, the best-prepared and educated group in this regard are Poles aged 18-24. Data from a study commissioned by Amazon leaves no doubt that the level of knowledge in this area ends with school education. 

The last 3 years have shown that we should be more sensitive to the care of our own safety and health. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war at the eastern border, and local climate disasters cannot leave us indifferent to education on how to behave in threatening situations. Is our society prepared for the continuing state of heightened risk related to this and does it have the appropriate knowledge to address it? According to a study conducted by K+Research on behalf of Amazon, only 37% of Poles know exactly what to do to protect themselves and their loved ones from danger in a threatening situation, such as a natural disaster or the outbreak of military conflict.

The study conducted in March this year clearly shows that Poles need training in recognizing alarm signals. Only 40% of respondents can distinguish them. The percentage of positive responses is highest among individuals aged 18-24 (exceeding 50%) and decreases with increasing age of the respondents. The situation is least optimistic in the group of retirees (people over 65), where as many as 80% of respondents lack knowledge in this area. Moreover, Poles have gaps in knowledge regarding the locations of shelters and emergency refuge areas – 62% of respondents provided negative answers to this question. Another aspect in which our society should urgently supplement its knowledge is the ability to provide first aid. Although 63% of individuals declare that they can do so, this percentage is highest in the age group 18-24 (at 74%) and decreases with the increasing age of the respondents.

– The numbers are truly alarming. The overwhelming majority of Poles are not prepared for crisis situations. This is a significant problem that requires concrete action. – says Rafał Sakowski, the coordinator of rescue services at the Polish Red Cross. – The results of the study indicate that knowledge in this area is insufficient. We therefore see a clear need for proper care and education, especially among adults. This can be a valuable indication for employers and an argument that it is worth investing in training actions, including first aid instruction. This will be useful not only in extreme danger situations but above all in everyday life – at home or at work. With such knowledge, we can take care of each other, and perhaps someday save someone's life. – adds.

One of the companies implementing such good practices, also on a global scale, is Amazon. In March of this year, the company launched the first disaster relief hub in Europe, located in a logistics center in Rheinberg near Düsseldorf. This will enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to partner organizations in less than 72 hours from the request for assistance. The company already runs similar centers in the USA, Asia, and Australia, having helped victims in over 145 natural disasters and humanitarian crises since 2017. Amazon continuously analyzes reported needs and is appropriately prepared – it has millions of products ready to be sent to those in need. The most common requests are for diapers, tarps, cots, blankets, heaters, tents, and cleaning supplies.

– As a global company, we feel responsible not only for our employees but also for the whole community. Currently, it is hard not to notice the threats associated with the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions. Hence the idea of taking real action in this direction. Among other things, we have established extensive cooperation with the Red Cross, which covers many countries. In Poland, we invited representatives of the Polish Red Cross to show our employees, based on their extensive experience, how to properly prepare for emergencies. – says Barbara Krystosiak, manager of social projects at Amazon in Central and Eastern Europe. and adds that training has been conducted for employees in logistics centers in Poznań, Wrocław, and the office in Warsaw.

Another important initiative will take place in the logistics center in Sosnowiec. There will be an action involving packing sets of items that are useful in threatening situations. Subsequently, volunteers from the Polish Red Cross will distribute the packages to five other locations, where appropriate training will also be conducted. This topic is particularly important, as data shows that only one in four Poles has prepared the most important items for the need for evacuation. Meanwhile, 58% of respondents are not prepared in this regard.

– In threatening situations, we often panic and do not think logically, which is why it is worth taking care of securing ourselves and our loved ones in advance. A good practice is to keep all important documents in one place, e.g., in a folder of a distinctive color that will be easy to find in a crisis situation. The same goes for medicines, especially for those with chronic illnesses, but not only – a well-stocked first aid kit is always worth having. Most of us know that we should also have, among other things, a charged power bank, a flashlight, or candles at home. The question is whether theoretical knowledge goes hand in hand with practical preparation? – ponders Rafał Sakowski.